Wednesday, February 20, 2013

My presentations always cover one of my favorite, but often overlooked, design topics: Prototyping!
In my opinion, most exhibit design misfires could be prevented by more
thorough prototyping at the beginning of the exhibit development
process.

In addition to warping the minds of these young up-and-coming exhibit
designers with my corny jokes and some rapid/cheap prototyping exercises
using paper and masking tape, part of my presentation also dealt with
how to use the word ELVIS as a mnemonic (memory aid) for exhibit designers when they are developing prototypes. I've updated the "I" in ELVIS, so consider this "Elvis the Prototyper" 2.0

E = Everyday Materials Using everyday materials makes it easier to prototype AND maintain exhibits. I'd much rather spec something from McMaster-Carr or the local Radio Shack that does the job, rather than creating a custom component that will be tricky to replace later on.

L = Looseness
Providing open-ended opportunities during exhibit development and for
the visitors. The best exhibits (and exhibit developers!) are not
one-trick ponies, they are wired up to allow multiple successful
outcomes.

V = Vermicious
The word means "wormy." Good exhibits and prototypes should "worm
around" your head on many different levels: old/young, art/science,
beginner/expert. If you can find a way to conceptually and actively
"hook" your visitors, they'll remember your exhibits.

I = Iteration

Try, try again! There's no such thing as a prototype that's "perfect" the first time. Try your ideas out with people, think about what you've found out, then change your prototype for the next round of exhibit (or label or programming or whatever) testing.

S = Sharing
We should be sharing ideas with our visitors, and each other as professionals.

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